Impartiality and Independence Policy

Guardian Assessment Pvt. Ltd. recognizes that impartiality and independence are essential to confidence in inspection results. Guardian is committed to conducting food-sector inspection activities objectively, consistently and without improper commercial, financial or other influence.

Guardian has structured its inspection activities to meet the independence principles applicable to a Type A inspection body and is in the process of seeking accreditation in accordance with ISO/IEC 17020. Accreditation has not yet been granted.

This commitment is approved and supported by Guardian's top management. Business targets, fees, client relationships or desired commercial outcomes shall not override the integrity of an inspection.

To preserve third-party independence, Guardian seeks to ensure that the inspection body and personnel responsible for inspection are not involved in activities that conflict with independent judgment concerning the items inspected. Relevant restrictions include involvement in the design, manufacture, supply, installation, purchase, ownership, use or maintenance of inspected items where such involvement would compromise Type A independence.

Guardian will not accept an inspection assignment when an identified relationship or activity creates an unacceptable threat to independence that cannot be eliminated.

Guardian identifies and reviews impartiality risks arising from matters such as:

• ownership, governance or organizational relationships;
• shared personnel or financial interests;
• sales commissions and performance incentives;
• previous consultancy or advisory work;
• family, personal or professional relationships;
• client pressure, threats or inducements;
• self-review or inspection of one's own work;
• excessive dependence on a single client; and
• subcontractors or external specialists.

Risks are reviewed when new services, clients, personnel, relationships or significant operational changes arise. Appropriate action may include disclosure, reassignment, independent review, additional supervision, removal of the conflict or refusal of the assignment.

Inspectors, technical reviewers, decision-makers, subcontractors and other personnel involved in inspection activities are required to:

• disclose actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest;
• avoid inspecting work for which they were responsible;
• decline gifts, inducements or pressure intended to influence an outcome;
• protect confidential information;
• report threats to impartiality immediately; and
• base findings only on verified evidence and applicable criteria.

Guardian may undertake other conformity-assessment activities through separately controlled functions. Management-system certification, product certification, validation/verification and inspection are different activities. They shall not be marketed, contracted or delivered in a way that creates self-review, suggests that one service makes another easier, or implies that purchasing an additional Guardian service will influence an inspection result.

Any client, employee, regulator, inspected organization or interested party may report a concern about Guardian's impartiality or independence.